The Celebrity Beneath The Mask

Chapter 3

FIANDA

"Bring it up for Miss Gagne!!!" I heard the MC roar with the microphone. I was backstage as I took in a deep breath before going out to the stage with my mask on.

The crowd left me astounded, they waved several light sticks and my photo card in the air as they chanted my name. If I wasn't mistaking, their number should be escalating millions, the crowd was massive. I was used to it already but what I found amusing with the way they flocked in, with their large numbers for just a fan meeting, not to talk of a concert. Amusement was an understatement.

It has been five years already and after nurturing my cute little triplet, I decided to pursue my dreams again and with the help of Aunt Clara, determination, perseverance and hardwork. I was able to achieve my goals and I debuted two years ago.

A fan signing event was held last week and today was a fan meeting. I didn't expect to meet a massive crowd as this. During the fan signing event, some fans congratulated me, claiming they loved the style of my music and they were looking forward to my next album release.

I had released many albums and the fame I got from them was mind blowing.

"Hello everyone!" I greeted in an angelic tone, waving my hands with a hearty smile on my face. The fans screamed as every where became noisy. They were hooting from all directions as several paparazzi around took pictures of every single moment.

"We love you Gagne!!" They yelled as I waved back, smiling widely.

"I love you all!!" I screamed out, joyfully as the screams increased.

"What song would you like her to start with?" The MC asked the crowd as they chanted it out loud and clear.

" Big Dreams!!" They chorused, that was my first song release actually which earned me fame.

The MC gave me a hand signal to know if I was ready. I nodded slightly with a bow as the instrument began playing in the background.

As I sang, the fans stood up singing along as they kept on screaming my name. Oh!! How much I had longed for this. As I ended the song with a high whistle note, I received loud cheers as I bowed.

"Wow!! Your vocals are so amazing, I must say!!" The MC complimented as I thanked her with a smile and a bow.

"Anything you would like to say to your fans?" The MC asked and I nodded with a polite smile.

"Firtly, thank you all for coming, it's an honour seeing you all here, thanks for your support!!" I said as they kept chanting my name, waving their pop sticks in the air.

"One more thing is “learn never to give up”, keep fighting and one day, you will achieve it." I advised and they all cheered with amusement.

"The fans claim they would love to know your real identity!" The MC said, my brow creased slightly as I smiled nervously.

"I would love to remain anonymous for the time being." I said and they all cheered, despite the fact that I turned down their request.

There were several questions, and I sang some other couple of my songs in which I got a lot of cheers for.

Soon it ended as I got backstage, I had to visit the restroom. On my way, I met my manager, Mr. Andre, who Aunt Clara introduced to me. He assisted me a lot until I became established and released my first album. However, since then he had been my manager who helped in signing contracts with several companies since I wanted to just remain anonymous. He knows of ny true identity, besides him and Aunt Clara, no one else knows not even my kids who are so obsessed with Gagne songs.

"Good job out there!!" He announced with a light clap as I let out a chuckle.

"It's all thanks to you and Aunt Clara." I said, acknowledging that important fact.

"Your hardwork and commitment also paid." He congratulated me with a warm smile. "Thanks for being there for me, thanks for your support!" I said with a happy and joyous smile glowing all over my face.

He stood, staring at me with a big smile on his face as he titled his head, lifting an eyebrow.

I furrowed my brows, I knew that look of his, he surely had something to say.

"Tell me about it?" I asked inquisitively.

"Sure you know me!! Another contract!!" He announced and my eyes sparkled with excitement.

"You are needed to help advertise a particular product for a starting company." He explained. "But the thing there is I won't be able to go in your place, you would have to meet the CEO yourself as he demands." He explained further and my face fell.

"Did you accept to it?" I asked. "I had to but if you aren't okay with the reservations we can just terminate it." He said and I shook my head.

"No, there would be no need for that, just leave it as it is. When is the meeting?" I asked.

"Tomorrow by 3pm!" He announced as he checked his wristwatch.

"Tha’st quick!!" I half yelled and he nodded simply.

---

I got home as I collapsed on the couch tiredly. My mask and outfit was taken off already. I was no longer Gagne but Fianda now. Just then, my kids came in with Aunt Clara as they screamed joyfully seeing me.

"Mom!!" The trio yelled as the leaped on my body. "The fan meeting was so intriguing." Katrina said, waving her pop stick as they began singing one of the songs I sang, dancing babyishly to it.

"Miss Gagne looked so sexy in her short denim skirt, I imagined myself in her arms." Kenzie gushed, staring into space dreamily as Kelvin hit his head lightly.

"Hey, Miss Gagne would never look at you. She is mine, she is my favourite star, my one and only idol and soon, we would become a couple." Kelvin fantasized as I chuckled at his cuteness.They so much reminded me of someone I once held dear to my heart.

"Keep on dreaming boys.... Miss Gagne will get married to someone of her age, not little boys like you." Katrina said as she pinched the two, bring them out of their fantasy lands.

Aunt Clara and I just exchanged glances as he laughed out at their silly dramas.

"That's true Kelvin!! Miss Gagne isn't our age mate and we aren't in the same class, she is more wealthy than us.... Kelvin." Kenzie said with a down-casted look as he patted Kelvin on the shoulder.

"Let’s go make some cool cash and become men so that we can chase her!!" Kelvin muttered with all determination as the duo shook hands and together, they went up the stairs.

We couldn't help but burst into laughter, their drama was so hilarious.

"They almost bursted out my ear drum as soon as Gagne came on stage." Aunt Clara exclaimed with a sigh.

"I didn't shout too much mom!!" Katrina said as she sat on my laps. "But Kenzie and Kelvin kept chanting "We love you so much Miss Gagne, please be my date for just a day. I just wanna touch your hands and see your beautiful smile." Katrina said, mimicking their voices as we burst into another round of laughter.

"So now, I granted your wish and let you come home to attend Gagne's fan meeting.

Can we return back to the hospital now?" I asked and she nodded cutely.

"Sure mom!!" She said as I pecked her forehead, cuddling her tight to my chest.

She was diagnosed to have a weak heart and we were on the waiting list for surgery, still yet to find a donor though. She had to be admitted into the hospital, she pleaded she would love to attend Gagne's fan meeting and I couldn't oppose. She promised she wasn't going to do anything to stress herself out and that she would return back to the hospital as soon as the events ended.

The next day, I found myself being escorted by a secretary to the CEO of the company I was having a meeting with. I was dressed as Gagne with my mask on as usual. She knocked lightly and a deep familiar voice boomed asking us to come in.

I walked in and as soon as I set my eyes on him, my breath hitched on its own accord as my body stiffened in shock.